Kushner was brought onboard to adapt the project back in 2008, but switched his focus to Lincoln when Spielberg decided to make the Oscar-nominated film his next project. This project is being made with Spielberg in mind to direct, but it's not likely to be his next project. His other options include Fox's sci-fitentpole Robopocalypse and the ambitious Aztec drama Montezuma.

Kertzer's novel, which came out in 2008, tells the tale of a 6-year-old Jewish boy who, in 1858, was seized by the police and removed from his parents' home. He was raised as a Catholic and became a priest in the Augustinian order.

Spielberg, whose most recent directorial projects were both historically based (2012's Lincoln and 2011's War Horse), is repped by CAA and Gang, Tyre. Kushner is repped by The Gersh Agency and Schreck Rose.